YOUR CHILD’S HAIR.

Otago Witness, Issue 4032, 23 June 1931, Page 57

YOUR CHILD’S HAIR.

It is most important that proper care should be given to children’s hair. The harm that results from neglect of a child’s hair during the first few years may, in some cases, never be eradicated, no matter how much attention is bestowed later in trying to improve an impoverished head of hair. From babyhood the hair must be brushed and combed night and morning and washed every day. Weekly mas-

sage.with warm olive oil will strengthen the roots and improve the growth. As the child grows older the washing becomes less frequent A thorough shampoo once a month is usually sufficient.

The choice of a suitable shampoo is of considerable importance. Fair hair usually grows darker as the years advance. Yet if the hair were given an egg shampoo eVery few weeks the golden sheen would be preserved for many years. The egg shampoo consists of beating an egg very thoroughly with a tablespoonful of lukewarm water and the same quantity of bay rum and shampooing' the mixture thoroughly into the roots and through the child’s hair. Then rinse in clear, warm water, to which a liny pinch of borax has been added to soften the water. A second rinsing must be given, and to this is added a tablespoonful of white wine vinegar. The vinegar helps to preserve the colour and makes the hair soft and glossy. But it must be white wine vinegar, and not the ordinary kind.

The hair of a dark child presents less of a problem with regard to shampooing. Well dissolve soap flakes will thoroughly cleanse the scalp, and a pinch of borax in the last of three rinsing waters will make the hair shiny and fluffy. Never use strong soaps or soda.

Whenever possible the child’s hair should be dried by fanning or by rubbing wjth hot towels. Never hasten drying in front of a fire. When the haii is thoroughly dry dip the tips of the fingers in a little pure olive oil and gently massage the scalp. This stimulates the growth. A child’s hair thrives best if combed as it grows—the front away from the crown towards the face, the sides over the ears, and the back over the neck. Brushing should always be done upwards from the roots.

When the hair is very lank and straight a slight wave can be induced by combing with a comb shaken out in warm water. The comb should be only very slightly damp, and passed several times through the hair from the roots to the ends. Curling tongs and rags should never be used for waving a child’s hair. —Glasgow Weekly Herald.